Why has eating healthy become so much of a chore these days? Have we all gotten lazier or are we just too busy to take the time required to prepare a healthy meal? From the time it takes to purchase the ingredients, prepare 3 meals per day, and cleaning up afterwards, that alone can be considered a full time job. The other issue with healthy eating is that it can be expensive. In today’s busy world, we usually go with what is quick and cheap, but don’t expect to have a million dollar body if you’re eating from the dollar menu. Healthy eating can certainly be challenging when dining out, so that’s why I started looking for better options than fast food. Can you still eat out AND eat healthy at the same time? Keep reading to find out!
Over the last 5 years as a food blogger, I’ve seen healthy eating places come and go. Why is that you ask? Most of them only catered to certain specific diets such as vegetarian, vegan, or “ketogenic”, and those don’t usually appeal to the masses. They need to have a more diverse menu that caters to everyone. I started looking for places in Indian River County that offer more than just a specific way of eating and below are the places that I found.
Now let’s dive right in and see all the healthy eats I’ve tasted over the past few weeks while creating this article!
AKOHO – A Kitchen of Her Own – Sebastian, FL
Owner Shari Pierce has always dreamed of having her own place and she finally made it a reality several years ago. She has gained a loyal following in a very short time which became obvious to me while I was standing in line. Her customers couldn’t say enough nice things about her or the food. I’ve always associated this place only with baked goods and quiche, but just recently learned of all the healthy options she offers. She can do custom and large orders with enough notice and most of her dishes can be modified to be vegetarian, vegan, or even gluten free.
While at AKOHO, I enjoyed; Chicken, Leeks, and Kale Soup, Spinach, Tomato, Feta, and Sausage Quiche (Gluten Free Crust less also available), Healthy Bowls – Base is rice or greens, curried chickpeas, cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, chicken thighs (protein is option to make it vegan), Blueberry Crumble, Everything Cookie, and Death by Chocolate Cake!
A Kitchen of Her Own
9090 North, US-1 Suite #2
Sebastian, FL 32958
(772) 571-5880
https://akitchenofherown.com/
Counter Culture – Boulevard Tennis Club – Vero Beach, FL
I’ve had the pleasure of tasting food from Counter Culture on previous occasions over the past several years, so when the idea for this article came up, I immediately knew they would be a part of it. I first discovered Chef Anthony and Lisa’s tasty dishes at the Hope for Families Center Top Chef competition a few years ago where they won first place for best dessert. For a short while they occupied the space where Taco Dive is currently on 14th Ave and in the Indian River Mall where Nature’s Table used to be. Their current location, just off of Indian River Blvd north of the Barber bridge, they are now in the Boulevard Tennis Club. Membership is not required to eat there and they do have a large outdoor dining space where you can watch the members play tennis. They offer many different vegetarian, vegan, and keto style dishes. They are a scratch kitchen too, so just ask Chef Anthony to modify the dish to your personal preferences.
While at Counter Culture, I enjoyed; Edamame Dumplings – Served Steamed or Fried (Vegan), Gobbler Wrap – roasted natural turkey, apple smoked bacon, tomatoes, cranberry aioli, swiss cheese, organic greens, served with sweet potato fries, Veggie Pizza – artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, and Kalamata olives served on a GF Cauliflower Crust (Vegan Mozzarella available), Sod Buster Sandwich – cilantro aioli, greens, tomatoes, sprouts, onions, cucumbers, avocado, nutty-seedy multi-grain toast (Vegan). From Left to Right: Thin Mint No Bake Cookie (WFPB, Vegan, GF), Chocolate Chip Cookie (WFPB, Vegan, GF), Lisa’s Peanut Butter Cup (GF), Raspberry Crumb Linzer Bar (GF)
Counter Culture Vero
1620 Boulevard Tennis Lane
Vero Beach, FL 32967
(772) 778-4200
https://www.counterculturevero.com/
La Tabla | Food + Juicery – Vero Beach, FL
Located within Royale Palm Pointe, I consider this place to be truly a hidden gem in Vero Beach! Owner, Santiago Ares, says “The key to eating healthy is to balance your lifestyle with clean food & drink and a good exercise program”. They feature nutrient dense, wholesome, mostly organic foods simply prepared and sourced from local farmers as much as possible. I first discovered this place in June 2019 and I ordered the steak salad and was blown away by how fresh and delicious it was. I’m happy to report that it’s still on the menu! On my most recent visit, I got to try the Salmon toast and their Green juice! Both were fresh, very satisfying, and quite tasty!
While at La Tabla, I enjoyed; Steak Salad – (organic brown rice, quinoa, spring mix, carrots, red cabbage, edamame), Salmon Toast with Tomato Soup, Green Juice – (Apples, Kale, Spinach, Celery, Cucumber, Ginger)
La Tabla | Food + Juicery
29 Royal Palm Pointe Unit #1
Vero Beach, FL 32960
(772) 205-2772
https://www.facebook.com/latablavero/
Sealantro on 6th – Vero Beach, FL
Sealantro on 6th is the newest restaurant on this list, having only opened their doors back on June 4th. They had hoped to open earlier this spring, but Covid-19 put those plans on hold. I was invited to a private tasting event shortly before they opened to get a preview of the new menu and it’s quite impressive. They are open for breakfast and lunch and have quite a few Vegan and Keto friendly dishes on the menu. Don’t worry, if you don’t follow either of these ways of eating, they have you covered with plenty of options that do contain meat as well. They have a nice “Grab & Go” fridge featuring quite a few British specialty items along with Garden of Esther’s Fresh Pasta too!
While at Sealantro on 6th, I enjoyed; Fruit & Cheese Board, Mediterranean Platter – Lentil Salad, Quinoa Taboola Salad, and House Made Hummus, Veggie Panini – smoked portabella mushroom, roasted peppers, artichoke, vegan mozzarella, tomato jam, arugula (Vegan), Vegan Cinnamon Rolls.
Sealantro on 6th
2060 6th Ave
Vero Beach, FL 32960
772) 492-3614
https://sealantro.com/
This concludes the Healthy Eating list of restaurants in Indian River County. Do you have a favorite place that our Foodie Insider did not include? Sound off in the comments below and let us know so he can go check it out!
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